About Lisa Ruthig

Video: Fergus, Age 11

My massage career began when my puppy Fergus (the background image) escaped from his sitters and was hit by a car. His broken femur was repaired with a steel plate, and I knew he would be more prone to arthritis as he aged. I also remembered how helpless I felt after his surgery, trying to soothe his pain and do passive range of motion with no training. I completed the Small Animal Massage Certification program from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2008, and later the Equine Massage Certification, to help Fergus age gracefully, and to help other animals like him and their owners, who suffer alongside their animals. You can see in the video to the left how well Fergus is doing in his old age.

In 2009 I began teaching Equine Anatomy & Physiology at Bancroft and later taught massage and other courses, and became Director of Animal Programs. I love teaching the next generation of animal massage therapists their craft. I am the Chair of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM), a group dedicated to setting high standards for animal therapists and making massage legal in all states. I am a member of the Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

I was a veterinary assistant for 4 years and am certified in Pet First Aid and CPR by PetTech. I believe in honing and expanding my craft through continuing education and have taken a Level 2 Certification in Reiki, as well as classes in TTouch, canine and equine Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Touch-Associated Clicker Training, Facilitated Movement, and Animal Communication. I am certified in Equine Manual Lymph Drainage.

a yoga ball each day with treats to help him stretch his back legs and to massage him as best I could using what she taught me.

He is a mild, loving animal who follows me around the house. He loves to see Lisa and has improved very much with her visits and the once a month visit to the chiropractor. They both communicate with each other to keep up-to-date with Jake's progress. He hasn't lost any function to walk or chase his beloved large tennis ball.

I can't tell you how much I have appreciated Lisa's work with him. He is now 9 years old, and I want him to have the best that I can do for him while he is with me. - Jeanne Thompson [Jake is maintained with massage and PROM every other week, NSAIDS and supplements from his veterinarian, and monthly chiropractic.]

My vet diagnosed Jake, a german shepherd, with hip dysplasia as well as arthritis last year and suggested surgery in the spring of 2013, at the age of 6. I didn’t want to put Jake through surgery and opted to try massage and chiropractic. I started out with a once a month appointment with the chiropractor and every week for Lisa to work on Jake. I have since had Lisa come to the house every other week. She gave me some things that I have tried my best to do, working with Jake, i.e., using